The windows in your home are a gateway to the outdoors, a way to allow light in as you take in the view of your garden, yard or scenery. The last thing you want to see is a sweaty window coated in a film of condensation.

Not only are windows coated in condensation unappealing, they also can be a sign of a more serious air-quality deficit inside your home. Fortunately, there’s several things you can try to resolve the problem.

What Causes Condensation along Windows

Condensation on the interior of windows is produced by the humid warm air inside your home hitting the cooler surface of the windows. It’s notably commonplace in the winter when it’s much chillier outside than it is in your home.

Inside Moisture vs. In Between Panes

When talking about condensation, it’s crucial to understand the distinction between moisture on the inside of your windows in comparison to moisture in between the windowpanes. One is an indoor air quality issue and the other is a window issue.

  • Moisture inside a window is caused from the warm moist air throughout your home forming against the glass.
  • Existing moisture you see between windowpanes is produced when the window seal breaks down and moisture gets in between the two panes of glass, and by then the window has to be repaired or replaced.
  • Condensation inside the windows isn’t a window problem and can instead be resolved by changing the humidity inside your home. Different things cause humidity throughout a home, including showers, cooking, laundry or even breathing.

Why Condensation on Windows Could Mean an Issue

Though you might think condensation on the inside of your windows is a cosmetic problem, it could also be evidence your home has higher humidity. If that’s the case, water may also be accumulating on window frames, cold walls or other surfaces. Even a small film of water can encourage wood surfaces to mildew or rot over time, promoting the growth of mildew or mold.

How to Lower Humidity in Your Home

Thankfully there are numerous options for removing moisture from the air throughout your home.

If you have a humidifier operating in your home – whether it be a smaller unit or a whole-house humidifier – lower it further so the humidity inside your home goes down.

If you don’t have a humidifier active and your home’s humidity level is excessive, think about getting a dehumidifier. While humidifiers introduces moisture inside your home so the air doesn’t get too dry, a dehumidifier pulls excess moisture out of the air.

Small, portable dehumidifiers can remove the water from an entire room. However, those units require emptying water trays and most often service a somewhat limited area. A whole-house dehumidifier will remove moisture from your entire home.

Whole-house dehumidifier systems are controlled by a humidistat, which allows you to specify a humidity level precisely like you would select a temperature via your thermostat. The unit will start instantly when the humidity level surpasses the set level. These systems work with your home’s HVAC system, so you should contact qualified professionals for whole-house dehumidifier installation Port St. Lucie.

Alternative Ways to Decrease Condensation on Windows

  • Exhaust fans. Installing exhaust fans in humidity hotspots including the bathroom, laundry room or above the oven can help by extracting the warm, moist air from these rooms out of your home before it can raise the humidity level throughout your home.
  • Ceiling fans. Spinning ceiling fans can also keep air circulating throughout the home so humid air doesn’t get stuck in one place.
  • Opening up window treatments. Throwing open the blinds or drapes can lower condensation by stopping the warm air from being stuck against the windowpane.

By reducing humidity in your home and circulating air throughout your home, you can enjoy clear, moisture-free windows even in the winter.